Newcastle start with Baggies

NEWCASTLE begin life in the Coca-Cola Championship with a trip to another side eager to reclaim their Premier League status in the shape of West Brom when the Football League kicks off on Saturday, August 8.

The Magpies then take on Reading in their first match at St James' Park a week later.

They have to wait until December 19 for a home derby date with Middlesbrough with the return at the Riverside Stadium on March 13. A trip to QPR awaits Newcastle on the final day on May 2.

Middlesbrough have been handed a tricky opener as they entertain Sheffield United, who were beaten in the Championship play-off final by Burnley.

A trip to Swansea follows for Gareth Southgate's side before they take on promoted Scunthorpe at Glanford Park. Boro also finish the campaign on the road with a trip to League One champions Leicester.

Having been given a home clash with Newcastle to kick off their return to the Championship, West Brom then head to Nottingham Forest, which is followed by a trip to Peterborough.

With Wolves and Birmingham back in the Barclays Premier League, their closest rivals are now Coventry. They first meet at the Ricoh Arena on October 24 before the return on March 23. Albion end their season with a visit from Barnsley.

Leicester mark their return to the Championship at the first attempt with a home clash against Swansea which is followed by tricky games at Ipswich and Sheffield United.

They face East Midlands rivals Derby at the Walkers Stadium on October 17 with the return at Pride Park on March 27, while a trip to Nottingham Forest is the highlight on December 5 before they meet again on February 27.

A home clash with Middlesbrough will bring the curtain down on their campaign.

Peterborough have been handed a tricky start to life in the Championship as they head to Derby before home games against Sheffield Wednesday and relegated West Brom.

Posh will take on East Anglia rivals Ipswich in the league for the first time at Portman Road on December 8 before a home derby atmosphere at London Road on February 16.

Scunthorpe, who beat Millwall in the play-off final, head to Cardiff on the opening day before home games against Derby and relegated Middlesbrough, who they head to on Boxing Day.

The Toon Army arrive at Glanford Park on October 20 before a trip to St James' Park on March 17.